Explore the rugged natural beauty of Iceland. You will also have time to take a dip in the Blue Lagoon and visit some of the world’s best geysers. By night, watch the skies come alive with the spectacular Northern Lights accompanied by an expert astronomy.

This tour is for families and is ideal for families with children over the age of 8 years old.

Itinerary:

Select your itinerary:

Day

1

Arrive in Reykjavik

Your trip starts at Keflavik international airport, from where you make the journey into the centre of Reykjavik where you will be based for the week.

This evening our astronomy expert will give a short talk about the science behind the Northern Lights as well as talking about the sky at night. You will then head out by bus to a low light pollution where you may be able to see the northern lights. These naturally occuring phemonena are a true marvel of nature, and on a clear night you can see them light up the night sky in various shades of green, blue and red. Caused by the emmisions in the earth's atmosphere, the colours are determined by the change in oxygen and nitrogen atoms, and have been revered as mythical phenomenon by indiginous peoples all over the northern hemisphere. Hotel - 4 nights.

Please note- The Northern Lights can only be seen with clear skies. The evening tour will be moved to another night if the skies are not clear.

Day

2

Reykjanes Peninsula and the Blue Lagoon

Today you can head out into the rugged wild south of Iceland. The Reykjanes peninsula is home to many active volcanoes and large lava fields, which ensures that little grows there. You can walk among the lava fields and soak in the dramatic landscape as the sea beats down on this barren shore in the morning, before heading to the world renowned blue lagoon.

One of the most famous and instantly recognisable thermal springs in the world, the blue lagoon is a geothermal spa caused by silica and sulphur in the ground. Temperatures in the swimming area can reach as high as 40 degrees, so if you do decide that you want to take a dip, make sure you are prepared for the heat! The lagoon is known for having healing properties, so after a long soak here you may come out feeling renewed and invigorated.

On your return to Reykjavik, you will be taken for a tour of the city. The world's most northerly capital is also the largest city in Iceland and is a fascinating cultural centre. The old town of Reykjavik is instantly recognisable from the brightly coloured buildings and is an enjoyable place to wander around. There are a number of interesting buildings and architecture that you can see as you take in the sights of the town.

This evening you may be able to see the northern lights. These naturally occuring phenomenon is a true marvel of nature. Our astronomer will be on hand to tell you about the Northern Lights. (B)

Please note- The Northern Lights can only be seen with clear skies. The evening tour will be moved to another night if the weather is unsuitable.

Day

3

Free day - Optional Activities

Today you will be free to explore the city of Reykjavik yourself or take part in one of the optional activities which include:

Glacier Adventure

One of the most exciting parts of a visit to Iceland is surely a trip out on the frozen icy glaciers. And what better way to do this than by four wheel drive jeep? The super jeeps that are used in Iceland are specially designed so that they can get over the ice and around the frozen terrain with ease.

Once you reach the ice, you change to a snowmobile to continue your drive over the icy landscape. Reaching speeds of up to 80 kilometres per hour, you will drive over the ground, hearing the whizz of your tracks in the snow, and marvelling as the world rushes by you.

South Shore

In April 2010, the eruption of Eyjafjallajokull caused planes to be grounded all over Europe. Today, you head down to the south shore of Iceland, where this now world famous volcano is among the many sights.

You head down to the southern headland of Iceland , through small villages and farmlands with views to the majestic mountains towering over the coast . On the way, there are great views of snow shrouded Hekla volcano, and the towering, ice capped strato volcano Eyjafjallajökull This area is a paradise for geology, showing the forces of nature and creation of life very clearly.

Continuing on your walk you pass spectacular waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss, which tumble down over jagged rocks. Then its on to Dyrhólaey, a magnificent rocky headland with sheer cliffs, before heading for the shore for lunch. On the way back to Reykjavik, you can admire the towering cliffs above you.

This evening you may be able to see the northern lights. Our astronomey guide will again be on hand to answer any questions you might have on astronomy and the wonders of the universe. (B)

Please note- The Northern Lights can only be seen with clear skies. The evening tour will be moved to another night if there is skies are not clear.

Day

4

The Golden Circle

Iceland is a geographical wonderland, home to some of the most varied natural landscapes in the world, from the barren volcanic landscapes in the south, to the frozen wildernesses further north. However, the geyser is something that defines Iceland so much that this name has become synonymous with this spectacular occurance.

From the ancient Icelandic world 'geysa', meaning to gush, this is now the name that is given to a high pressure discharge of water from the land the world over. Today, in the Golden Circle, you will see the Geysers in the Haukadular Valley, where eruptions can force water up to 10 metres in the air and erupt frequency. (B)

Day

5

Fly home

This morning you will transfer to the airport and fly home. (B)

Northern Lights

Few shows on earth are as spectacular as the great curtains of light that fall and swoop in green and pink over the icy wastelands of the northern hemisphere. You can see the northern lights (also known as aurora borealis) when the sun’s solar wind - a stream of atomic particles fly through the vacuum of space – comes into contact with our atmosphere.

Golden Circle

The Golden Circle tour will take you too the Þingvellir National Park, the famous Gullfoss waterfall also known as “the Golden Waterfall” where you will be able to stand next to the amazing waterfall and watch the water tumble in to the deep gorge. Your tour wouldn’t be complete without visiting the famous geyser region. Here you can watch the bubbling hot water explode from the geysers.

Blue Lagoon

You will visit the famous Blue Lagoon, a unique geothermal spa situated in the lava field south of Reykjavik. Here you will be able to relax and swim in the warm waters. Icelanders consider the wintertime to be the best season to visit as the constant water temperature is a wonderfully soothing 39°C in contrast to the air temperature which is near freezing.

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Adventures Worldwide Ltd trading as Explorers Astronomy Tours is a member of PEAK Adventure Travel Group Ltd. Registered address: TUI Travel House, Crawley Business Quarter, Fleming Way, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 9QL. Explorers Astronomy Tours is an Appointed Representative of Campbell Irvine Ltd, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. This can be checked on the FSA's register by visiting www.fsa.gov.uk/register or by calling 0845 606 1234.